Jumpstart AbleGamers ToGoEnabling children, adults and veterans stuck in hospitals and care facilities is a top priority. Help us bring the enjoyment of video games directly to those who need it the most with a giant mobile Arcade.
A Window to the WorldMeet Mary. At a local AbleGamers Accessibility Arcade, Mary had her life changed forever through the power of video games. Learn more about her story.
No Barriers to Fun!We met our friend Giddeon at the AbleGamers Accessibility Arcade in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Learn how a simple adaptation turned this young man into a ninja warrior.
Each year the AbleGamers Foundation puts together a holiday shopping guide for the disabled gamer in your life. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift for your loved one and brings them the joy of accessible gaming. This year we have some new tricks and old favorites. But even if you don't see what you want on the list, please scroll to the bottom and click on the Amazon link. Once you're on Amazon's website through our link AbleGamers will receive a portion of anything you buy. Helping disabled gamers while shopping for your loved ones is the best gift of all.
Six Switch Controller This six-button, fully switch enabled, and programmable controller for the Xbox 360 was designed by Evil Controllers for the AbleGamers Foundation. With 6 3.5 mm jacks that allow you to add a switch on the market to replicate the function of the buttons on the controller. As a bonus, all of these 6 ports are programmable, which means you can make any of the 6 ports function as any button on the controller. Pick up your controller designed with the AbleGamers audience in mind at Evil Controllers.
As one of the most powerful pieces of technology we have ever seen, XIM offers the ability to turn your computer into an Xbox 360 and PS3 controller. By hooking up a few wires to your gaming console and computer, all of the assistive technology utilized on the PC suddenly becomes available to your favorite console game.
If you or your loved one have assistive technology you already own on a PC and want to use it to play on an Xbox or PS3 instead of buying something new, purchase a XIM Edge today.
The iPad isn't just another technological fad or newfangled gadget everyone owns and doesn't use, it is a new way of life. Everyone today is carrying around tablets and smart phones, but have you ever thought about how important these devices are to the disabled community?
For the Autistic and Cerebral Palsy communities, the iPad has become a staple in commonly used technologies. With large displays, voiceover technologies, lightweight modules and dozens of applications for both gaming and educational purposes, the iPad or iPad Mini just might be the perfect gift for the disabled gamer in your life.
And don't forget iPad accessories that can make the experience even more enjoyable. This gift idea gets the AbleGamers Presidential seal of approval with a high recommendation from Mark Barlet.
FIFA 13 surprised our most cynical PC game reviewer, AbleGamers Editor-In-Chief Steve Spohn, as one of the most accessible sports games seen in years. Featuring the ability to be played by only the mouse, FIFA 13 will help you score some points with the mobility impaired gamer in your life.
With a score of 8.5, Guild Wars 2 has loads of accessibility for the disabled gamer on your gift list. Fans of the franchise flocked to this game as one of the most highly anticipated titles of the year. Check out this story driven masterpiece as a possible gift for your favorite gamer.
An expensive yet extremely useful assistive technology, TrackIR allows users to turn their heads as a way to activate buttons. By programming TrackIR Mapper with up to 32 different buttons, your gaming experience will never be the same. Whether you're throwing a grenade or jumping over a monster, pressing your buttons has never been easier. Just turn your head and play away.
The AbleGamers community has spoken. Your choice for the best voice-activated software is the DWVAC. With the ability to program a new profile for every game, there's no shortage of titles you can use VAC to help you play. See what all the fuss is about with a free trial of this powerful assistive technology.
One of the coolest items for the mobility impaired gamer, Trabasack's new Media Mount uses Velcro "Noodles" to secure objects the surface of the tray. This soft felt beauty has a comfortable feel, but maintains its role as a sturdy table alternative with the added security of locking down your new expensive electronic items. Give yourself some peace of mind with a Trabasack this year.
Steve Spohn is the Editor-in-Chief of AbleGamers & Outreach Chair for the Foundation. He is an expert in gaming with disabilities and assistive technologies and can be seen on MSNBC, CNN, G4 and more.
Arc of Indiana is suppose to help partially & developmentally disabled to get computer accessories but, they told me at the Indiana Governor's Conference for People with Disabilities, that I would have to buy a Trackball Mouse. I'm on Social Security Disability & I can't afford the out rages price for one.
Guild Wars 2??? You have got to be kidding me! You realize in the original they had an option for "Click to Walk" for Mouse Only users and actually removed it from 2 right? You also realize the number of accounts that were hacked right? Did you know initially the Customer Service people literally told hacked users to go buy a new copy because they wouldn't restore accounts? You guys really support this franchise & recommend it?
Our job here is to inform people of games and equipment that can improve the quality of life for those with disabilities. We do not discriminate based on behavior of the publisher. Guild Wars 2 is a hugely popular AAA game that many disabled gamers will be able to play. Therefore, we recommend it for people to purchase this year for Christmas.
Personally, I'm annoyed there is no mouse only mode. And I'm not thrilled with their loot system. But those are personal feelings towards the game. For the reasons listed in the overall review, GW2 is an accessible game, even if those with my particular disability may find some difficulties. As for the hacking, World of Warcraft has so many hackers that an entire industry is devoted to it in China and India. Rift also tells customers who have been hacked to purchase a new account because of security risks.
So, yes, we recommend this game for disabled gamers this year. We also wish Arena Net would listen to us on advice to make the game better, which they don't. But, we aren't in the business of telling people not to play a game simply because a studio won't include more disabled gamers than they are the are. If they are doing a semi-decent job, and think they can figure the rest out on their own, more power to them and hopefully they read Includification to find out more about developer guidelines.
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